BOYS’ SPORTS REPORTS 14/11/16

RUGBY

C2 v Giggleswick Lost 17-14

C2 were unfortunate not to win against a Giggleswick A side who had recorded a heavy victory earlier in the season. Our game plan to stifle the threat of their key runner and continue to play attractive running rugby worked very well and the boys showed huge commitment in all aspects of the game.

In a fast paced and open game C2 were the first to score when Cawthorn finished off a fine move to go over in the corner. We continued to look threatening every time that we had the ball and were unfortunate not to go further ahead after a strong break by Ferrer in midfield. When in possession Giggleswick ran hard and eventually scored after poor tackling let their 10 run the length of the pitch to put the centre in for a breakaway try.

The second half continued at the same frenetic pace and, after huge pressure, Clarke scored under the posts. C2 should have gone further ahead when Scott broke down the left channel and crossed the line but unfortunately lost the ball in the process of touching down.

We were then put under increasing pressure by Giggleswick and a series of scrums in our 22 would have led to further scores if it wasn’t for Jameson, who had a fine all round game, winning four consecutive scrums against the head. 

Eventually the pressure told and, with the last play of the game, Giggleswick scored an unconverted try to take the game by 3 points.

There were many positives to take from this game and, in terms of team progression and individual development, it was a hugely encouraging performance. However, the team must learn to manage the game better, especially the forwards taking more responsibility to control the direction of the game. The obvious development point for the backs is to increase the pressure and intensity of their line speed in defence.
Tries: Cawthorn; Clarke
Con: Clarke (2)
PCL

1st XV v RGS Lancaster Won 45-15

Sedbergh’s first match after the half term break saw them travel to RGS Lancaster in what is always a difficult fixture away from home. Early I’ll discipline from Sedbergh gave the home side two penalty attempts which they calmly converted to lead 6-0. Sedbergh who looked deadly with every touch of the ball then scored their first points of the day through Josh Hodge who dived on a neat chip through from Cameron Redpath.

The outstanding Sam Moore then scored two quick tries powerfully breaking tackles almost at will to extend the lead. Redpath got the next score after a very patient build up saw him finish in the corner after some slick passing and inter play from the backline.

With two minutes remaining until the half time break Sedbergh went on the attack again scoring a simply brilliant team try through Will Hill. The ball travelled through most of the team with some perfectly timed offloads in and out of the tackle giving the attack some real momentum.

The second half was a mistake ridden period from both teams as the conditions under foot became very difficult. Lancaster again kicked penalties capitalising on a lot early territory and position but it would be Oli Rudd who would provide the spark in the match for Sedbergh as he set up a well taken try on the short side for Tom Walsh and then scored one himself after he cleaned up a loose ball after a brilliant break from The superb Will Haydon Wood. Final score Sedbergh 45 RGS Lancaster 15.

A decent win for Sedbergh in tough conditions. We now face the toughest period of the season against some of the best opposition in the country. It’s a very exciting finish!

Tries: Hodge, Moore 2, Redpath, W Hill, Walsh, Rudd.
Cons: Hodge 5
SM

2nd XV v RGS Lancaster Won 36-17

Right from the off Sedbergh asserted their dominance in both attack and defence. With ball in hand Sedbergh looked completely in control and when they showed patience, the tries came. The back row of Steel, Woods and Hill were particularly impressive in winning ball and producing some fine link play.

Pearson showed some classy touches throughout and kept the opposition defence fixed at all times. On another day, in better conditions, the score line would have been more impressive. Overall a job well done by this growing side. 
JSA

3rd XV v RGS Lancaster Won 58-0

Our first experience of wet conditions this season did not stop the boys from getting “off the bus,” well.The coming together of all the Lancaster RGS boys and the Sedbergh boys on the first XV pitch for a minutes silence as an act of Remembrance displayed what rugby really is about. Boys about to knock lumps out of each other showing respect and unity. It was a moving start to the afternoon.

The pitch was not as wide as we had been used to through the season so we knew that the forwards would have to pull our opponents around the park to create the space for them to play in. That is of course with the exception of Brogan. He is an athletic winger who seems to think that the way to find space is to create it by knocking other boys over! He made several powerful breaks through the afternoon which left the opposition sprawling and clutching and thin air.

The forwards were a little timid in the ruck area for the first ten minutes of the game. This changed at one ruck where they turned the ball over. This gave them confidence and the technique followed. Hitting the ruck low, at pace and in numbers gave Ford good quick ball. Ford is one of a plethora on Scrum Halves in the club at the moment. He is sharp and has good service of both hands.

The referee stopped him from sniping at the base of the scrum at half time as LRGS had not had any clean ball at all. Whitehouse had a serious game. He us a Trojan of the front row, hard and fit he enjoys the physical aspect of the game.

He led well up front by example. Chamberlain was similar in the backs. He straightened lines of running and showed sublime skill to set Heathcote up for one of his tries by drawing two men, getting his hands through the tackle and delivering a wonderful off load.

His kicking was not up to his normal standard but the surface was not what he is used to; he now needs to practice kicking in the mud.Heathcote has joined us from the 2nd XV as Madronal has gone up. Young men can react in a variety of ways when faced with disappointment.

Heathcote is one of those who has clearly decided he will do what he can to gain his jersey back. Not only was he sharp in handling and footwork but his voice was terrific as he helped lead the boys. He scored a very quick hattrick in 19 minutes and I had to pull him off the field at half time. The back row have developed and are a really well balanced unit at the moment. The support play is superb and Ward is a true Blindside. Fit and hard he just grafts all afternoon.

He is in the mould of Richard Hill, at the bottom of everything, not seeking the glory just doing the hard yards. Our very own Thomas Waldrom or Jamie Halsall is the glory boy in the eight shirt. His feet and handling are more akin to a winger than an eight but he hits hard and adds dynamism to the pack.

Thomas is hard and everywhere. An old fashioned open side he is determined to be first to everything, and he often is.Moss had another fine day at fly half. His distribution in terrible conditions was fantastic but more so the maturity and awareness he displayed. When it wasn’t on wide he either kept it or looked to a forward on his shoulder.

His communication is also now where in needs to be and he really is directing the game. Graham also deserves a mention. He is an athletic powerful full back who reads the game very well and scored three today. I anticipate him playing at the top level in the school next year.

Peter Baershmidt and Henry “Tucker” Turner will have a tussle this week as they both fight for the right wing slot. Taylor comes back, Bertie Turner returns and Park-Johnson is not far away. There will be some difficult calls to make in the next ten days. 3rd XV colours were awarded today to Ben Chamberlain, Brad Moss and Oli Ward.

All are fantastic players, great ambassadors for the school and great servants of the 3td XV. Congratulations gents. The team now need to ensure that they continue to develop and look at every session as an opportunity to be better than they were the session before!

Tries: Heathcote 4, Graham 3, Brogan 2, Chamberlain
Cons: Chamberlain 3, Ford
CH

4th XV v St Peter’s York Lost 38-31

A tough match for the 4ths against St Peter’s 3rd team and we paid the price for a couple of early defensive errors to fall short 31:38. Richard Burns scored a great individual try counter attacking the length of the pitch and beating 7 tackles in the process. A proper contest and a good learning experience for the Millfield fixture at the end of term.
SRA

5th XV v RGS Lancaster 4th XV Lost 27-24

Boys played well but were unfairly penalised in certain situations. The team performed well with Harvey Ferguson, James Milburn and Lukas Brunner giving man of the match displays. The team showed real unity.
JDWR

A1 v RGS Lancaster Won 54-7

Another confident display from A1 whom brushed aside a dogged Lancaster side by 10 tries to 1 on Powell Pitch. It was very pleasing to note the many new faces playing for A1, given that Captain Harry Hill had been selected for the 1st XV and with no A2 fixture. 

Mr Mahon used the full squad wisely, and with some good performances from the likes of lock Charlie Campbell and stand-in captain for the day; Michele Brighetti – the home side was always on the front foot.

A brace from both No 8 Will Panday and wing James Greenwood was pleasing to see, though the majority of tries scored were good ‘team tries’ where the ball had been retained well through the phases and the attacking threat was at pace and determined. We now prepare for an away trip to Warwick next Saturday
PJEC

B1 v RGS Lancaster Won 54-8

RGS Lancaster were a significant challenge for Colts B but an outstanding second half performance saw Sedbergh pull away to a comfortable victory.  Lancaster tackled aggressively and competed fiercely at the breakdown and Sedbergh struggled to get a foothold in the game in the first half.

Concerted pressure and physical play saw Lancaster take an early lead. When Colts B managed to keep the slippery ball for a number of phases they looked dangerous and managed to gain a half time lead or 15 points to 8 scoring three well worked tries. In the second half the passes that had previously fallen to floor stuck and Sedbergh put together some excellent play.

In the wider channels Jones, Burridge and Sheil looked threatening with every touch of the ball but also Sedbergh earned the right to move it into the open spaces by gaining ground through some hard and direct running. Notably, Redpath put Kouadio and Lee through holes in quick succession that saw the big front row men thundering forward in open space.

Most impressively both managed to get an offload away that put a team mate under the posts. This second half performance was exactly what was needed after a long half term break and a busy week of important fixtures ahead. 
CJS

B2 v RGS Lancaster Lost 24-0

B2 lost a very competitive match with RGS Lancaster scoring two tries in each half to seal the away victory.

C1 v RGS Lancaster Won 60-0

In a strong all round performance, C1 succeeded in their key target for the week, which was not to concede a point. Our defence was sternly tested at times, particularly by a couple of Lancaster’s sizeable forwards driving at our line from close quarters, but pleasingly we held out, showing good technique and commitment.

The game started with a good battle in the middle of the pitch, with neither side giving away ground nor making space easily. Having soaked up initial pressure, however, we were able to make good yards by busting up the middle, with Johnson, Kamoshita and Jackson particularly effective (especially when working in twos), which created the space out wide for Cooney, Balogun and the other backs to find their way to the line.

We scored a nice range of tries, with plenty of players involved and good linking between forwards and backs. The pick of the scores, however, was a fine individual effort from Balogun, powering down the touch line from 60 yards out, beating several defenders along the way. 
JDL

C2 v RGS Lancaster Won 38-17

C2 put in another excellent performance to beat a strong RGS team. On a muddy quagmire of a pitch they stuck to their principles and played attractive and expansive rugby to score six well-worked tries. Fine handling and good continuity allowed Clarke to go over for the first score which he converted himself.

However, RGS came back strongly and scored a deserved try after a spell of prolonged pressure. C2 responded well to this and Ferrer went over to make it 12-5 at half time. RGS were clearly fired up for the second half after strong words from their coach and ran powerfully and directly and rucked ferociously. C2’s tackling was more than up to the challenge, something we had worked on this week, with Jonty and Oscar Stuart in particular bringing down much bigger players with almost perfect technique.

Having weathered the storm, C2 went on the attack and when Scott moved from 13 to 10 it seemed to give him the confidence to really attack the gain line resulting in two fine individual tries. RGS came back with two tries from their strong back row but C2’s class showed and two final scores by Harling sealed an excellent, hard-fought win.
PCL

RUNNING 

1st Team @ District Cross-country Championships

A strong performance all round for our boys and girls and saw many qualify for the Cumbria county championships taking place on the 18th January. Notable performances came from Maria page, Jamie Macmillan and Ben Van Dijk who all had top 3 performances.
JDWR

HOCKEY 

U16 County Championships – Advanced through to County Final 

v Kirkby Stephen Won 1-0
v QES Draw 0-0
v Windermere Won 4-0
v Kirkbie Kendal Draw 0-0
Despite a lack of training time and in the toughest qualifying tournament seen for several years Sedbergh boys under 16 hockey team did well to qualify for the regionals next term. After taking the lead against Kirkby Stephen through a well worked Harry Sheil goal, Sedbergh were indebted to goalkeeper Johnnie Radcliffe who pulled off two fine saves late on.

The second match proved equally competitive against QES and despite the majority of possession Sedbergh were unable to break the deadlock whilst QES always threatened on the break.

Topping their group Sedbergh faced Windermere in the semi-finals and played their best hockey of the day, finding fluency to their passing as the midfield of George Hill, George Barber, Michele Brighetti and Giles Dobson dominated the game.

Goals from Sheil, Dobson, Barber and Jasper Webber sealed a comfortable victory and guaranteed a place in the North West regionals. In the final, against Kirkbie Kendal, who had beaten Kirkby Stephen on penalty flicks in their semi-final, Sedbergh again played well but were unable to score past their 6’8″ goalkeeper.

After 15 minutes the pitch was freezing up and a decision was made to replay a full match later this term or early next to determine the County Champions. This was a fine effort by the boys, played in Great Spirit.
MPS